\u201cPlease don\u2019t let AI take away the fun part of your chosen profession,\u201d Ronny Chieng urged graduates. The Harvard Staff Photographer, Niles Singer, captured the moment.<\/p>\n
During his speech at Class Day, Emmy-winning comedian Ronny Chieng, known for his role on \u2018The Daily Show,\u2019 advised the Class of 2026 to apply artificial intelligence in fields like medicine and physics, but not as a substitute for creativity and critical thinking. Citing a 2025 MIT study on the effects of language learning models, Chieng warned against cognitive debt from overuse of AI.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour generation\u2019s mission is to dismantle AI,\u201d Chieng stated. He acknowledged the beneficial use of AI in scientific breakthroughs but cautioned against its overuse leading to shallow knowledge. Chieng, an alumnus of the University of Melbourne with degrees in commerce and law, emphasized the value of creativity.<\/p>\n
Chieng humorously dismissed the idea of using AI for mundane tasks like reading emails. \u201cI can do that myself,\u201d he quipped, drawing laughs. He stressed that creativity is inherently human, saying, \u201cCreating is the fun part.\u201d He encouraged students to avoid letting AI diminish the joy of creative endeavors.<\/p>\n
Class Day celebrates graduating students with speeches and a guest speaker. Nicholas S. Kalkanis \u201926 noted the importance of comedy in addressing life’s contradictions. The event also honored Lakota Tolloak, a classmate who passed away in January 2025. Remarks were made by David Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard College, and David Battat, incoming President of the Harvard Alumni Association.<\/p>\n
Chieng urged graduates to ensure their \u201coffline world is better than their online world\u201d and to prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain. He shared his own passion for stand-up comedy, emphasizing the joy found in pursuing what you love. \u201cWhen you have clarity of purpose, every day can be a joy,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n